Care Guides - Invertebrates & Amphibians
Care Guides by Species Group
Welcome to our comprehensive care resources. Each species has unique requirements—use these guides to ensure your new pets thrive.
🕷️ Tarantulas & Jumping Spiders
Species we carry: Regal Jumping Spider, Bold Jumping Spider, Pink Toe, Mexican Red Knee, Nicaraguan Curly Hair, Blonde, Orange Baboon, Brazilian Blue, Texas Brown, Stripe Knee, Thai Tiger, Burgundy Goliath Birdeater, and more.
Habitat: Species-specific (arboreal need height, terrestrial need floor space). Use coconut fiber, peat moss, or vermiculite substrate 2-4 inches deep. Jumping spiders need smaller enclosures with vertical space.
Temperature: 70-80°F for most species; some require 75-85°F. Use heat mats on one side for gradient.
Humidity: 60-80% depending on species. Mist substrate weekly; provide water dish.
Feeding: Crickets, roaches, mealworms sized appropriately. Juveniles eat 2-3x/week, adults weekly. Jumping spiders prefer fruit flies and small prey.
Handling: Minimize stress—observe rather than handle. Many species are defensive.
🦗 Mantises (Praying Mantis)
Species we carry: Chinese Mantis, Jeweled Flower, Spiny Flower, Ghost, Orchid, Bud Wing, Dead Leaf, Double Shield, Giant Thai Shield, Pink Giant Asian, Arizona Border, Devil's Flower (Idolomantis diabolica), and more.
Habitat: Vertical enclosure 3x mantis length in height. Mesh or screen top for molting. Add sticks/branches.
Temperature: 70-85°F depending on species. Room temp works for many; tropical species need warmth.
Humidity: 40-60% for most; mist lightly every 1-2 days. Avoid over-saturation.
Feeding: Live prey (fruit flies for nymphs, crickets/roaches for adults). Feed every 2-3 days.
Molting: Critical—ensure vertical space and humidity. Do not disturb during molt.
🪳 Roaches (Hissing Cockroaches & Others)
Species we carry: Madagascar Hissing Roach, Halloween Hisser, Black Tiger Hisser, Wide Horned Hisser, Tiger Hissing Roach, Smooth Madagascar Hisser, Mini Hissing Roach, Yellow Porcelain Roach, and more.
Habitat: 10+ gallon tank with secure ventilated lid. Egg crate or cork bark for hiding.
Substrate: Optional—coconut fiber or paper towels work. Keep dry to prevent mold.
Temperature: 75-85°F. Heat mat on one side recommended.
Humidity: 50-60%. Light misting weekly; provide water crystals or gel.
Feeding: Omnivorous—fresh vegetables, fruits, dry dog food, fish flakes. Remove uneaten food promptly.
Social: Most species are colony-friendly and low-maintenance.
🐛 Millipedes
Species we carry: Giant African, Bumble Bee, Smokey Oak, Glow, Ivory, Fire, American Giant, Giant Desert Chocolate, Giant Golden, Scarlet, Giant Pink Foot Banded, and more.
Habitat: 10+ gallon tank with ventilation. Millipedes love to burrow.
Substrate: 3-4 inches of coconut fiber, leaf litter, and rotting wood. Keep moist but not wet.
Temperature: 70-78°F. Room temperature usually sufficient.
Humidity: 70-80%. Mist substrate regularly; provide moisture gradient.
Feeding: Decaying leaves, vegetables (cucumber, carrot, squash), rotting wood. Calcium supplement (cuttlebone) essential.
Handling: Gentle—they may curl up or secrete defensive fluid. Wash hands after.
🦎 Isopods (Pillbugs, Rolly Pollies)
Species we carry: Dairy Cow, Powder Orange, Powder Blue, Rubber Ducky, Zebra, Clown, Panda King, Magic Potion, Montenegro, Cappuccino Clown, Lava, White Out Cubaris, and more.
Habitat: Small to medium container with ventilation. Add leaf litter, bark, and hides.
Substrate: Coconut fiber, sphagnum moss, or ABG mix. Keep one side moist, one dry.
Temperature: 65-75°F. Room temperature ideal for most species.
Humidity: 60-80%. Mist regularly; ensure moisture gradient for molting.
Feeding: Decaying leaves, vegetables, fish flakes, dried shrimp. Calcium source required (cuttlebone, limestone).
Colony Care: Isopods breed readily—great for bioactive setups or feeders.
🍃 Leaf Insects & Stick Insects
Species we carry: Ban Sai Yui Leaf Insect, Philippine Leaf Insect, Giant Leaf Insect, Black Beauty Stick Insect, Indian Stick Insect, Giant Prickly Stick Insect, and more.
Habitat: Tall, well-ventilated enclosure (mesh or screen). 3x insect length in height.
Temperature: 70-80°F. Most species tolerate room temperature.
Humidity: 60-80%. Mist daily—critical for molting and hydration.
Feeding: Fresh bramble (blackberry), oak, or species-specific host plants. Replace leaves every 2-3 days.
Substrate: Paper towels or soil to collect eggs if breeding.
Molting: Ensure vertical space and humidity. Handle minimally.
🦂 Scorpions
Species we carry: Devil Scorpion (Emperor), Asian Forest Scorpion, and more.
Habitat: 5-10 gallon tank with secure lid. Provide hides (cork bark, half logs).
Substrate: 2-3 inches sand/soil mix for burrowing species; less for rock-dwellers.
Temperature: 75-85°F depending on species. Heat mat on one side.
Humidity: Species-specific (desert: 30-40%, tropical: 60-80%). Provide water dish.
Feeding: Crickets, roaches, mealworms. Feed 1-2x/week. Remove uneaten prey.
Handling: Not recommended—observe only. Use caution; venom potency varies by species.
🦎 Tailless Whip Scorpions (Amblypygids)
Habitat: Vertical enclosure with cork bark or wood for climbing. Secure lid essential.
Temperature: 75-85°F. Heat mat on one side.
Humidity: 70-80%. Mist regularly; they need moisture.
Feeding: Live crickets, roaches, or other insects 1-2x/week.
Behavior: Nocturnal and shy. Non-venomous despite appearance—harmless to humans.
🐸 Frogs & Amphibians
Species we carry: Pacman Frogs (various morphs), Red and Black Walking Frog, White's Tree Frog, Green Tree Frog, Chubby Frog, Masked Tree Frog, and more.
Habitat: Species-specific (terrestrial vs. arboreal). 10-20 gallon tank minimum. Provide hides and water dish (or pool for aquatic species).
Substrate: Coconut fiber, sphagnum moss, or soil (chemical-free). 2-3 inches deep for burrowing species like Pacman frogs.
Temperature: 72-82°F depending on species. Use under-tank heater or heat lamp. Provide temperature gradient.
Humidity: 60-80%. Mist daily; ensure proper ventilation to prevent mold.
Feeding: Live insects (crickets, roaches, worms) dusted with calcium/vitamin D3. Larger frogs may eat mice. Feed juveniles daily, adults 2-3x/week.
Water: Dechlorinated water only. Change water dish daily. Tree frogs need vertical space and branches.
Handling: Minimal—amphibian skin is sensitive. Wet hands first if necessary.
🦗 Other Invertebrates
Blue Death Feigning Beetles: Desert species. Dry substrate, 75-85°F, low humidity. Feed vegetables and dry food.
Jerusalem Cricket: Burrowing species. Deep substrate, 70-80°F, moderate humidity. Feed vegetables and protein.
Moth Cocoons (Cecropia, Luna, Polyphemus, Promethea): Store in cool location (40-50°F) until spring emergence. Mist lightly weekly. Provide emergence space when warming.
General Tips for All Species
- ✅ Research your specific species—care varies widely
- ✅ Quarantine new arrivals for 2-4 weeks
- ✅ Monitor temperature and humidity with gauges
- ✅ Provide fresh, dechlorinated water regularly
- ✅ Never use pesticides or chemicals near enclosures
- ✅ Clean enclosures monthly; spot-clean weekly
- ✅ Observe behavior—changes may indicate stress or illness
- ✅ Dust feeder insects with calcium/vitamins for amphibians and some invertebrates
- ✅ Check our starter kits for complete beginner setups
Live Feeders Available: We carry crickets, mealworms, hornworms, nightcrawlers, and fruit flies to keep your pets healthy.
Questions? Contact us for species-specific advice or check our blog for detailed care sheets.